We may not want to admit it, but holiday stress and anxiety is a real thing. You don't have to feel like the Grinch just because you aren't sharing in the holiday cheer. The fact is that the holidays are a very stressful time of year. Between shopping, parties and keeping the peace with family, the holidays could be one of the most stressful times of the year. We have five easy tips to destress during the holidays.
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1. Pay it forward: Volunteering or doing a kind deed can help lower stress and make you feel happier. It doesn't require spending extra money either. For example, surprise a nice co-worker with a kind note on their desk. Paying it forward actually increases levels of dopamine in the brain, which naturally helps blast stress away. Dr.Serena Wadhwa, director of the TriQual Living Center, advises, "No selfless act is too small."
2. Holiday shopping done right: Finding the right gift can be a difficult task–especially when you're shopping for the entire family. There are a ton of great holiday gift guides that can help you cross everyone off your list without having to leave your house. Buying online is also a great way to stay in your budget. At the store, you're more likely to grab additional items you don't really need. Plus, who wants to deal with those stressful long lines for the cashier? Just skip it!
3. Create a task list: Staying organized will definitely help you avoid a meltdown during the holidays. Take a 20-minute break and start noting all of your "to do's." Try to organize them into different categories for work, family and home. "Your thoughts become centered on the task at hand, helping shift stress to the back burner," says Wadhwa.
4. Don't do too much: While task lists can help you stay organized and get stuff done, be cautious about how much you add on the list. It's the "have to do" items that could be the most stressful. Dr. Ken Duckworth, medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, explains "Ask yourself, 'Why am I doing things that make me miserable?' Think about the reasons." Make a pro and con list about the event or situation at hand and stick to your decision.
5. Avoid family drama: Holiday stress and anxiety could feel even heavier if you have family conflicts lingering. Try to tackle the situation before or after the holidays, but not during. "We tend to compare ourselves with these idealized notions of perfect families and perfect holidays," says Duckworth. Remember, no one is perfect so try to be more patient and understanding to stay in a stress-free zone.
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